5 Best VPNs for Hong Kong: Safe, Anonymous & Fast (2024)
While China has not yet enforced censorship in Hong Kong, it's only a matter of time. With Beijing's growing influence threatening Hong Kong's internet freedom, you need a highly secure VPN that can bypass geo-restrictions without adversely affecting your speed.
The best VPN should also offer you a Hong Kong IP address to access local services and apps from overseas. After testing over 80 VPNs, I found the best VPNs for Hong Kong with a global server network and military-grade encryption to securely use sites and content in and outside Hong Kong. Not only that, most of the VPNs on my list have servers in the country.
I recommend ExpressVPN for effectively hiding your online activity with its TrustedServer technology and strong encryption. Plus, it has 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including Hong Kong — and can even bypass the Great Firewall of China. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Hong Kong in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Top pick for accessing geo-blocked content with obfuscated servers worldwide.70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN - IPVanish
Hides your traffic with OpenVPN Scramble, supports Unlimited device connections. - CyberGhost
Optimal for new users with servers for streaming and torrenting, but costly monthly plan. - Private Internet Access
Get a Hong Kong IP easily with 60+ servers, but some may be unreliable. - PrivateVPN
Unmatched at unblocking sites globally, but has a smaller server network.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPNs for Hong Kong — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)
I ran numerous tests and conducted weeks of research to provide you with the best VPNs for Hong Kong to protect your privacy and access worldwide content without slowing down your connection. What made my list of VPNs stand out from the other 78 I tested is their ease of use, excellent customer support, and money-back guarantees.
1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Security Features to Bypass Tough Firewalls and VPN Blocks
Tested October 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
- Server speed and location: The fastest VPN I tested for Hong Kong. 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including Hong Kong
- Security capability: Military-grade encryption and obfuscation technology
- Data privacy: No-logs policy and a kill switch (Network Lock)
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Works with: ViuTV, Netflix, TVB J2, Amazon Prime Video, RTHK TV 31, and Disney+
- Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
With ExpressVPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions in and outside Hong Kong and access international sites and apps. The VPN has 3,000 servers in 105 countries and uses obfuscation methods to disguise your VPN traffic as “normal" traffic and get round the toughest geoblocks, including the Great Firewall of China. While in Hong Kong, I tested ExpressVPN’s reliability and it worked with most sites, including secure browsing on social media.
ExpressVPN keeps your identity and online activity secure with its default military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and TrustedServer technology — RAM-only servers wipe your data clean with every reboot, so there's no information for hackers to steal. In addition to the most advanced off-the-shelf security protocols, like OpenVPN TCP, PPTP, and L2TP/IPsec, ExpressVPN has designed its own Lightway protocol. Lightway is secure, uses less battery, and makes your connection faster.
To protect you from snoopers, the VPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy, another highly advanced security feature that will change your encryption key every time you log in, making your past online activity unrelated to current sessions. On top of that, ExpressVPN uses its own encrypted DNS on every server, so your DNS queries are safe from government and ISP surveillance. To further increase your online anonymity, you can pay for your subscription via Bitcoin.
Your personally identifiable records won't be collected or shared. ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly location that's not bound by any data retention laws. Plus, its automatic kill switch (Network Lock) and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection prevent accidental data exposure. When I tested ExpressVPN, I didn't detect any leaks. So, you can rest assured that your online information will remain private.
All these impressive security and privacy features won't slow you down. I could browse without delays and stream in HD on every server I tried during my speed tests. You can use its Smart Location feature to connect you to the fastest server based on your location automatically.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming as it doesn’t limit bandwidth or data, so you can binge-watch as much as you want. Plus, its MediaStreamer feature allows streaming on devices that aren’t usually compatible with VPNs, like PlayStation or Xbox.
You can try ExpressVPN out completely risk-free (it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee). I requested my refund using its 24/7 live chat and got my money back within 3 working days.
2. IPVanish — Safely Access International Sites On an Unlimited Number of Devices Simultaneously
- Server speed and location: Showed great performance during my speed tests. 2,400 servers in 90 countries
- Security capability: Scramble feature and AES 256-bit encryption
- Data privacy: DNS leak protection and no-logs policy
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Works with: ViuTV, Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max
- Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and Chrome
IPVanish is great for small businesses and large families, as it allows Unlimited simultaneous device connections with a single subscription. It’s compatible with most devices, including Amazon Fire Stick, and there are step-by-step installation guides on its website for various apps and devices.
You can enable IPVanish’s Scramble feature to easily help you unblock websites and services without the VPN getting blocked. This feature obfuscates your traffic, making it look like you’re not using a VPN at all. Plus, the VPN has 2,400 servers in 90 countries. I tested IPVanish and it was convenient for local and international browsing, including in Hong Kong (I used the Malaysian servers).
To ensure your data never falls into the wrong hands, IPVanish uses AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols (OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, IKEv2). Account authentication is processed using the SHA-512 hash, adding an extra layer of security. On top of that, IPVanish supports Perfect Forward Secrecy, so even if your device somehow got hacked, your information will seem like gibberish because the encryption key keeps changing all the time.
The VPN prevents potential data leaks using DNS leak protection and a kill switch that will block your internet traffic if your VPN disconnects. IPVanish also has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t collect any personally identifiable data that the government might request.
IPVanish is impressively fast, especially when using the VPN’s Quick Connect feature to automatically connect you to the closest available server. The Taiwan server was particularly fast for me when I connected to Hong Kong. You can also manually select your preferred country, and the VPN will find you the best servers for that area.
For safe and anonymous torrenting, IPVanish allows unlimited P2P connections. You can also get its SugarSync cloud storage solution that encrypts your files and uses TLS protocol to protect file transfers, so you can securely store your downloads.
IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. After exchanging a couple of messages with its customer support (available 24/7), I got my refund without any difficulty.
3. CyberGhost — User-Friendly VPN With Optimized Servers for Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting
- Server speed and location: Excellent speeds on all 11,690 servers in 100 countries, with 60 located in Hong Kong
- Security capability: Multiple security protocols and AES 256-bit encryption
- Data privacy: Strict no-logs policy and NoSpy servers
- Money-back guarantee: 45 days
- Works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, RTHK TV 31, and Disney+
- Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
CyberGhost is perfect if you’re new to VPNs — you can filter servers based on your desired activity (streaming, gaming, or torrenting). The app is very easy to set up, but if you still need help, there are step-by-step installation manuals and an extensive knowledge base. For any additional questions, its customer support is available 24/7.
With 11,690 servers in 100 countries all over the world, CyberGhost is a powerful VPN for bypassing geo-restrictions if you’re in Hong Kong or abroad. I tested CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers and the regular ones, and smoothly watched shows on my RTHK TV 31 and Tencent Video accounts while in Hong Kong. There are also 74 servers in Hong Kong, giving you many IPs to use in the country.
The VPN’s optimized servers for torrenting are super reliable too. I downloaded large files with only a slight speed reduction. With unlimited bandwidth, you can download as much as you want.
You’re safe from tracking by the Hong Kong and Chinese government, as CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption. You can choose between multiple security protocols to suit your VPN needs, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP, and SSTP. To further ensure your online anonymity, you can pay for your subscription using Bitcoin.
With its strict no-logs policy, CyberGhost does not collect personally identifiable information, not even time logs. The VPN includes a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection so that your personal information is never revealed. You can also turn on WiFi protection, and CyberGhost will automatically launch whenever you connect to a new public WiFi network.
Another useful CyberGhost feature is “Block content” which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Its split tunneling feature enables you to choose which websites you don’t want to pass through the VPN tunnel. So, you can access banking services securely with the VPN while using your other apps with your normal IP.
To stay safe from third-party meddling while in Hong Kong, you can upgrade to CyberGhost’s specialized NoSpy servers. These servers are located in Romania, which is not a member of any surveillance alliance, and only the CyberGhost team has access to their network.
Although one-month subscriptions are a bit expensive, CyberGhost offers some of the most affordable deals on longer plans. Plus, you can use CyberGhost on up to 7 devices simultaneously, including various Smart TVs (Fire, Android, and Apple) and select routers.
If you’re hesitant about giving CyberGhost a try, keep in mind that it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee. I tested this lengthy refund policy and I got my money back within 7 days, but I did have to answer a few cancelation questions first.
4. Private Internet Access — Many Servers in Hong Kong for Secure Access to Local Content
- Server speed and location: Decent speeds. 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including 68 in Hong Kong
- Security capability: Strong encryption and multiple security protocols
- Data privacy: Zero logs, DNS&IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Works with: ViuTV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, RTHK TV 31, and Disney+
- Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent choice if you want to use Hong Kong-based online services and stay updated on local news while abroad. With 68 servers located in Hong Kong, you can quickly get a Hong Kong IP address to maintain use of the HK sites you use at home.
Also, PIA runs one of the largest server networks worldwide — over 29,650 servers in 91 countries. That means you also get access to international sites like news and social media while in the city.
You are given the liberty to choose and personalize your encryption algorithm and protocols based on your preferences. Along with the industry-standard OpenVPN, PIA also provides WireGuard, which utilizes advanced encryption technology while maintaining high-speed performance. Additionally, PIA's VPN service includes an automatic kill switch, as well as IPv6/DNS leak protection, ensuring that your data remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
During my research, I found that PIA is based in the US, part of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance. I was a bit concerned, so I dug deeper and was relieved to discover the VPN really does not keep any logs. PIA’s privacy policy is extremely clear — you can rest assured that your data is safe and will not be collected.
Most PIA’s servers I tested were fast. However, not all servers are equally reliable. Luckily, with so many servers to choose from, you won’t have trouble finding one with which to watch videos without buffering.
The VPN allows up to Unlimited simultaneous connections so that you can install it on all your devices. There are dedicated apps for most operating systems and devices, and PIA is even compatible with Roku.
You can use PIA’s money-back guarantee to test the VPN for 30 days to make sure it’s right for you.
5. PrivateVPN — Use Stealth Mode to Stay Under the Radar
- Server speed and location: Very fast. 200 servers in 63 countries, including Hong Kong
- Security capability: Stealth VPN mode and Application Guard option
- Data privacy: No-logs policy and DNS leak protection
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Works with: ViuTV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, RTHK TV 31, and Disney+
- Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux
To stay invisible online, you can activate PrivateVPN's Stealth VPN mode, which will successfully hide the fact that you're using a VPN. So, you can bypass the most challenging VPN blocks and firewalls while browsing global sites.
Despite the relatively small server fleet (200 servers in 63 countries), PrivateVPN offered reliable IP addresses in many locations during my tests. The VPN also has servers located in Hong Kong so that you can browse local sites and apps from anywhere.
PrivateVPN is super fast — I couldn’t even tell I was using a VPN. I watched videos in HD and downloaded large files without interruptions.
This VPN is highly committed to your security, utilizing AES 256-bit encryption along with multiple security protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2. IKEv2 is particularly useful for mobile devices as its auto-connect feature provides protection when transitioning from mobile data to WiFi.
Your data won't be stored anywhere, as a no-logs policy protects it. In addition to IPv6/DNS leak protection, you can also enable an option called Application Guard, which will terminate the programs you choose in case of VPN disconnection. This is useful for high-risk apps like BitTorrent.
You can use PrivateVPN on up to 10 connections simultaneously, so all the devices in your household are protected with one subscription. The interface is also straightforward, so even inexperienced users can use it.
To ensure that you've made the right VPN decision, you can use PrivateVPN’s 30-day money back guarantee policy.
Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for Hong Kong
- Download a VPN that provides excellent security features and servers in Hong Kong to get a local IP address. I recommend ExpressVPN as one of the safest and fastest VPNs.
- Connect to a server. Choose the servers closest to you for the fastest speeds, or connect to a location where your desired site is available.
- Start browsing! You can now use the internet anonymously and access websites in and outside of Hong Kong!
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Hong Kong
To select the best VPN for Hong Kong, you need to make sure it includes the following features:
- Strong security and privacy. Only the VPNs that use the industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption can offer the highest privacy standards. They should also include a no-logs policy and a kill switch, as well as DNS leak protection to keep you completely anonymous at all times. All the VPNs on my list have these features.
- Global server network. To access global websites, you need a VPN that can give you an IP address in many countries. The VPNs on my list all have servers that are well-distributed worldwide to help you use geo-restricted sites.
- Servers in Hong Kong. Pick a VPN with servers in Hong Kong to access local services even when you leave the region. Not every VPN can provide you with a Hong Kong IP — I made sure to include those that can.
- Obfuscated servers. A good VPN needs to effectively bypass firewalls and VPN blocks for a region surrounded by a country with such heavy internet restrictions. I included the VPNs that use obfuscation technology to easily get past geo-restrictions.
- Speed. Waiting for a website to load or getting interrupted by constant buffering while watching videos is very frustrating, so you need a VPN with fast servers. The VPNs on my list are the fastest around.
- Money-back guarantee. To make sure you’ve made the right choice and got a VPN that can meet all your needs, choose a VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee, so you try it in confidence.
FAQs on VPNs in Hong Kong
Why do I need a VPN for Hong Kong?
While Hong Kong’s internet is relatively free, recent protests by residents have set in motion a renewed interest by China regarding restrictions, with the country already trying to enforce VPN bans. For now, Hong Kong remains uncensored. However. China is monitoring everything you do. To avoid your online activity being watched and recorded, you need a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN with a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and obfuscated technology.
Which VPNs for Hong Kong should I avoid?
It would help if you avoid VPNs with a history of handing over customer data and not abiding by their no-logs policies. I’m aware of two such VPNs:
- HolaVPN, which used a part of individual bandwidth for illegal online activities without user consent, and
- PureVPN, which once collaborated with the FBI to identify one of its users.
While I’m against using a VPN for any illegal acts, I firmly believe that every provider needs to be transparent about its policies. To stay fully protected in Hong Kong, get one of the VPNs from my list.
Are VPNs legal in Hong Kong?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Hong Kong. I recommend you get one, as it will safeguard your identity and prevent the collection of personal information. A good VPN will also enable you to access worldwide content effortlessly and without any restrictions. All VPNs on my list are great for use in Hong Kong, as they all come with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and have premium security features to hide your online activity from unwanted access.
What’s the best VPN for Hong Kong?
My #1 recommendation for Hong Kong is ExpressVPN because it’s based in a privacy-friendly location, has military-grade encryption, and will keep your online activity secure without keeping any logs of your private data. Its global servers and those inside Hong Kong will give you a steady and ultra-fast online experience. As a bonus, ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I use a free VPN in Hong Kong?
Yes, you can use a free VPN, but I wouldn’t recommend it since you can’t be sure that your connection is private. There is also very little chance of unblocking highlyrestricted sites with a free VPN due to their network and feature limitations. To bypass geoblocks at high speeds and stay private online I only recommend using a robust premium VPN that has been proven to work.
How can I get a Hong Kong IP address?
To get a Hong Kong IP address, you need a VPN that has servers in Hong Kong. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice as it has plenty of servers in Hong Kong and offers ultra-fast connections. So, you can access local sites, apps, and find relevant Hong Kong news from anywhere.
The Bottom Line
If you want to stay safe from spies and hackers in Hong Kong, use a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and military-grade encryption. The VPN should also have a global network of servers that can effectively bypass VPN blocks and help you get around geo-restrictions so that you can access worldwide content without sacrificing speed.
I recommend ExpressVPN as the fastest and most secure VPN out there. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll feel at ease knowing that a refund is available if you’re not 100% happy with it.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Hong Kong
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
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